(15) Micah 1-5

Micah begins his prophecy by announcing that the Lord (Adonai) was about to come in judgment upon Israel. He would do this through the Assyrians, who were His instrument in judgment (Isa. 10:5-6; Joel 2:11 -- "his army"). The first chapter gives a vivid picture of the attacks of that great enemy whom the Lord will use -- the King of the North and the Arab Confederation -- typified by the Assyrians of that time (Shalmaneser, Sargon, Sennacherib). Samaria, the capital of the northern territory of Israel, would be devastated first when the Assyrians came down from the north (Mic. 1:1-7). Then the Assyrians would continue southward, toward Judah, going as far as Jerusalem (Mic. 1:8,9). Other cities along the way would also be devastated by the invasion (Mic. 1:10-16).

Chapters 2 and 3 unveil the moral causes of God's judgments through the Assyrians: the ungodly practices of the people (Mic. 2:1-6), and their rejection of the Word of God (Mic. 2:7-11). Nevertheless God's purpose to bless Israel would still be fulfilled, but this concerns only a remnant (Mic. 2:12,13).

Chapter 3 exposes an even more serious evil: the leaders of the nation (the class of people in positions of authority, such as princes, etc.) and the prophets were corrupt (Mic. 3:1-7). Therefore Zion (Jerusalem) was about to be plowed like a field and become a heap through the Assyrian desolators (Mic. 3:8-12). Chapters 1 through 3 address point no. 2 of the summary.

Then, in chapter 4, Micah sees Israel in its last days, restored and blessed by God. He sees Jerusalem rebuilt and as the center of worship and knowledge of God (Mic. 4:1-5). Micah also speaks of the tribes of Israel, who were dispersed to distant places, being gathered again in their land (Mic. 4:6-10). This could address the interval between points 5 and 6.

When Israel (all twelve tribes) is already established in its own land under the Lord's blessing, another confederation of nations gathers against them. It is the second attack of the Assyrians (Gog-Russia). The Lord will destroy this enemy and encourage the armies of restored Israel to fight and subdue the nations that follow Gog (Mic. 4:11-13). This addresses points 6 and 7.

Chapter 5 goes further by dealing with the Assyrian siege. Verse 2 is a parenthesis showing the first coming of Christ and His rejection by His people, and how, consequently, He was set aside during this present period. Then, when the Lord has returned (second coming) and Israel (the 12 tribes) has been restored to Himself, He will place Himself alongside them as their great Protector, when the Assyrians enter the land of Israel (2nd attack - Mic. 5:1-5a). The armies of restored Israel will go out on a victorious campaign after the Lord has dealt personally with the Assyrians. Israel's military power will, at that time, be like that of a lion devouring its prey (Mic. 5:5b-9). This also addresses points 6 and 7. The final part of the chapter shows that as the Millennium arrives, all idolatry and self-confidence will be removed from Israel and they will rely on the Lord in everything (Mic. 5:10-15).